Council switches on to electric vehicles

Bury Council has taken delivery of two electric vans to add to its 250-plus vehicle fleet which already includes a zero emissions sweeper and an electric tipper for collecting litter.

The vans are replacing traditional diesel vehicles and will be used by the council’s street cleaning and disability services where the reduced emissions will have a greater impact.

Electric vehicles produce no exhaust pollution and are responsible for significantly less carbon emissions than their diesel equivalent.

It currently costs around £2.50 per 100 miles to charge an electrical vehicle and £16.50 per 100 miles for diesel fuel. It is estimated that the two vehicles will travel around 8,000 miles a year offering fuel savings of around £1,200 per year. Further savings will be made because no ‘road tax’ is paid on these vehicles.

The vehicles are part of a pilot programme to examine in more depth the comparative maintenance and running costs of both types of vehicle.Currently, the cost of purchasing electric vehicles can be offset by the annual fuel saving and a £5,000 grant per vehicle from the Government.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Cutting back on carbon emissions from vehicles is an important part of tackling climate change, improving local air quality and helping to create healthier communities.

“Unfortunately, these vans are the largest electric vehicle currently available but in view of the environmental benefits our transport service will be evaluating all possible future uses for electrical or other alternative fuel vehicles.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 26 October 2016.

Picture: With the new electric vans are (from left) Glenn Stuart, the council’s head of waste management; Cllr Tony Cummings, deputy cabinet member for the environment; Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment; and Pete Burns, senior supervisor street cleansing.